Parlour challenges Arsenal to overcome "inconsistent" officiating

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour says the Gunners have been victims of "inconsistent" refereeing — but insists that is no excuse for them failing to win trophies.

The former skipper, 51, concurs with those in the club's fanbase who have bemoaned costly red cards in the early weeks of this campaign, the latest of which was shown to William Saliba in a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth last Saturday.

Yet while Parlour believes that latest red was controversial, he also places some of the blame on Mikel Arteta's players, who have not helped themselves with some questionable decision-making.

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now on behalf of NetBet Online Betting, Parlour said: "Yes, the consistency hasn’t been great. Saliba's red card was harsh.

"Other [similar] incidents have been given as a yellow and the on-field decision was yellow.

"Then the other two decisions against [Declan] Rice and [Leandro] Trossard, you have to also look at consistency of other officials and it needs to be better.

Saliba was dismissed after an incident with Bournemouth striker Evanilson. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

"That said, you just can’t give the referee a chance to send you off by kicking the ball away. Arsenal have to cut out these little errors.

"In our day we had red cards, and we still were successful, so the same can be of this team too."

Heading into last weekend, the Gunners were 6/4 favourites with most bookmakers to win this season's Premier League but the disastrous loss on the South Coast has seen them drift out to 13/5 with Sporting Index.

They face fellow title rivals Liverpool (now 27/10 best price) in a blockbuster clash on Sunday afternoon, while new favourites Manchester City (6/4 favourites to win the Premier League) have a favourable-looking home clash with relegation favourites Southampton.

Parlour agrees the Citizens should now be considered the team to beat at the top of the table, though admits a lot could happen between now and the end of the season.

"The bookies don’t often get it wrong and Man City are rightly favourites for the title. These late goals [in their 2-1 victory over Wolves] as well always help, but it does show teams are competing with City and the Rodri injury could have an effect later on in the season. Liverpool are there on merit with a good start to the season."